Kenya Airways finalises 787 order, agrees new delivery dates

14 April, 2011

SOURCE: Air Transport Intelligence news

BY: Kerry Reals

London

Kenya Airways has finalised the order it placed with Boeing in 2006 for nine 787-8s plus four options and agreed on a new delivery schedule, after previously threatening to cancel the agreement in irritation over the delays to the programme.

The carrier had originally been scheduled to take delivery of its first 787 in October 2010, but now says it expects the aircraft to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Kenya Airways ordered six 787-8s in March 2006 and, nine months later, followed this with an order for another three.

The airline today said it had re-affirmed its intention to exercise options on four additional 787s after the initial nine aircraft have been delivered.

Kenya Airways chief executive Titus Naikuni says the carrier is pleased that "despite the delay experienced in the 787 programme, [Boeing has] committed to the timelines that we have now signed on".

The carrier last September said it was considering cancelling the order and was looking into negotiations with Airbus.

The 787s will be used to replace Kenya Airways' ageing Boeing 767 fleet. The carrier has not listed an engine selection for the 787s.